An Aztec in the Capitol

Written: Friday, March 29, 2013

Prince Sefa-Boakye, a San Diego State University alum, continues to rise.

Sefa-Boakye, ’12, earned his bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University, where he majored in social sciences with an emphasis in political science.

During his collegiate career Prince successfully interned for one of the youngest senators in Congress. He also campaigned for the Massachusetts Democratic Party where they singlehandedly elected the first female senator in Commonwealth history, Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

Delving into politics

Sefa-Boakye first got into politics through the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in Washington, D.C. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, public policy, research and educational institution that aims to help improve the socioeconomic circumstances of African-Americans and other underserved communities.

Sefa-Boakye was selected, along with many other rising African-American students from across the country, for the 2011 spring internship to learn about politics and studied ways to improve his community through public policy.

Not only was he awarded a full stipend to live and work in Washington, D.C., but was given the “Emerging Leader” award from the Foundation — being the first African-American Male student from SDSU to receive this distinguished recognition.

“Partnerships with the organizations like the Congressional Black Caucus, provide important leadership outlets for our students on a national scale,” said Aaron Bruce, SDSU chief diversity officer. “Rewarding summer internships provide our students with outstanding opportunities for professional and personal growth.”

A new perspective

Sefa-Boakye’s experience in D.C. has entirely changed his perspective on politics and public policy; and he is encouraging every Aztec to go to Washington, D.C.

“If it wasn’t for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, nor the opportunity to be in Washington, D.C. and work on the Hill, I probably would not have utilized my college degree to the best of my abilities,” Sefa-Boakye said. “I now understand how to chart my own career path, with the tools and knowledge provided by San Diego State University.”

Sefa-Boakye also studIed abroad at Oxford University (UK) through Michael Stoddard’s faculty-led study abroad program at SDSU. Upon completing his spring internship, Prince returned home to complete his bachelor’s degree and then moved to Boston to volunteer with the Obama/Elizabeth Warren Campaign where he currently resides. He plans to further his education by attending law school in the near future.

Sefa-Boakye currently uses his college education to participate in political grassroots campaigns throughout Boston, compose political articles weekly for the San Diego Monitor News, and create an after school writing program — Project Write — to assist indigent high school minority students with their writing skills.